NATO signatory countries have put their money where their mouths are, with a pledge to spend $3.2 billion over the next three years on satellite technology, cybersecurity defences and associated information technology infrastructure.

Of the total amount, 290 million euros have been earmarked for cyber security and information-technology infrastructure with a further 180 million for advanced software. NATO's 32 main locations will see 71 million spent on them. News of investment comes amidst speculation about hacking attempts during elections in the US and in the Netherlands. In fact, NATO says it has seen a five-fold increase in suspicious events on its networks in the past three years. Sources at NATO told Reuters that they suspect Russia is behind attacks against their networks before major summits.

NATO’s Security Investment program, which is financed by all 28 member countries. 'We can only confront today’s security challenges effectively if we strengthen our civil preparedness alongside our military preparedness,' said Patrick Turner, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Operations. 'Resilience requires a long-term effort. Putting the right plans and capabilities in place is a national responsibility, but NATO stands ready to support our Allies in increasing their resilience.'

Also interesting is that NATO and Russia have increasingly been at loggerheads over security breaches. The promise of new investment will come as great relief to suppliers within the Allied countries as procurement from Russia and China are not allowed unless it is something that cannot be supplied from within.

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